Ahead of their third AFCON 2023 match against Equatorial Guinea, Sébastien Haller, who was indisposed, was keen to reassure the Ivorian fans.
He said: “Ivory Coast will not be eliminated in the first round. You can trust us.
Sébastien Haller’s statement provoked a variety of reactions among Ivorians.
Some expressed scepticism, finding the promise of not being eliminated in the first round insufficient. “Did you expect Haller to say that we won’t be eliminated in the first round, because we’re in the second round? That’s a lousy promise,” commented one fan.
Others stressed their unconditional support for the team, despite financial difficulties and an apparent lack of confidence among the players themselves. “Since the start of this competition, we (Ivorians) have had faith in you… But apparently you don’t have any faith in yourselves,” said another fan.
The reaction of another fan highlighted the expectation of a better result, not just getting through the first round: “So if I understand correctly, you’re not going to win the cup. Just get through the first round? What kind of spirit is that?
Another expressed a certain weariness and disillusionment with the team’s repeated promises: “Before you, there was so much trust in us that it’s become compressed for us. We look at you only our hearts aren’t even on yourself”.
Finally, another fan expressed confusion and uncertainty about the team’s real ambitions: “So if I understand correctly, Ivory Coast will be eliminated afterwards I want to know what”.
These comments reflect the pressure and high expectations that Ivorian fans have of their national team.
Leave a Reply